What if You Could Remember Everything? Total Recall Explored with New Molecule

Imagine being able to remember everything you saw and heard. It'd make studying for that science test much easier, right? Now, scientists are looking at whether or not it's possible to change the amount of information the brain can store. They've identified a molecule that puts a brake processing and when removed, actually improves brain function and memory recall.

"Previous research has shown that production of new molecules is necessary for storing memories in the brain; if you block the production of these molecules, new memory formation does not take place," said Keith Murai, the study's senior author, in a news release. "Our findings show that the brain has a key protein that limits the production of molecules necessary for memory formation. When this brake-protein is suppressed, the brain is able to store more information."

The scientists examined a mouse model to understand how changes in brain cell connections produce new memories. They found that a protein, called FXR1P, was responsible for suppressing the production of molecules required for building new memories. Surprisingly, when FXR1P was selectively removed from certain parts of the brain, new molecules were produced that strengthened connections between brain cells; this, in turn, improved memory and recall.

"The role of FXR1P was a surprising result," said Murai. "Previous to our work, no one had identified a role for this regulator in the brain. Our findings have provided fundamental knowledge about how the brain processes information. We've identified a new pathway that directly regulates how information is handled and this could have relevance for understanding and treating brain diseases."

In theory, if the scientists can identify compounds that control the braking potential of this protein, then they may be able to alter the amount of brain activity or plasticity. This could have wide-ranging implications for patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease and other brain diseases.

The findings are published in the journal Cell Reports.